In the UK, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Our Targeted Prostate Health Check programme reached at-risk men who showed no symptoms and were missed due to fewer referrals during COVID-19. Learn how our project made a difference.
Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer among men in the UK, with over 52,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Despite its prevalence, many men remain unaware of the symptoms and risk factors. In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms, which is why catching it early is so important—it gives men more choices for treatment.
The Targeted Prostate Health Check (TPHC) programme, developed by the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA) in collaboration with Medefer and Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, was launched in response to the significant drop in GP visits and hospital referrals for prostate cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed to identify asymptomatic, at-risk men, the programme began as a pilot in the East Guildford Primary Care Network (PCN) and was later expanded across Surrey and Sussex for a further two years. The results demonstrated higher detection rates and increased awareness of prostate cancer checks among participants.
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"There have been some cancer diagnoses made in which the men were asymptomatic, and they wouldn't have been picked up otherwise. The fact that it is a non-intimate method of testing has been well-received, encouraging men to come forward who we wouldn't have normally seen."
- TPHC Programme Interviewee
When we launched the TPHC programme (1) across Surrey and Sussex, we targeted men with risk factors such as Black ethnicity or a strong family history of prostate cancer. The programme was open to men aged between 50 and 69 and from 45 for those with identified risk factors.
More than 66,000 men across 13 Primary Care Networks (2) (PCNs) were invited to participate in the programme. Eligible men were invited to complete a prostate health questionnaire and discuss having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
Here are the key findings:
Each person we invited is more than just a statistic. We're proud of the prostate cancer cases we diagnosed through our programme. Hear from real people whose lives have been impacted by early detection. Visit X and LinkedIn to watch their stories and share them to encourage others to get tested through the Prostate Cancer UK risk checker.
Emmanuel Okorie from Guildford was diagnosed with prostate cancer through the Targeted Prostate Health Check. He urged Black men aged 45 and over to get a PSA test, saying, "It's just a simple blood test and nothing to be afraid of."
Guildford resident Richard Flashman was shocked to learn he had prostate cancer after taking part in the TPHC programme despite having no symptoms. But he didn't regret his decision to get tested. "I was told that it was caught early and was treatable. So, hearing that news, there was some comfort that it could be treated."
One finding is clear from the catch-up programme – early detection increases your treatment options. Prostate cancer frequently presents without symptoms (asymptomatic) in its initial stages. Current NHS guidance advises that men aged 50 and over request a PSA test from their GP, even if they have no symptoms. This proactive approach helps to reduce the risk of severe disease and ensures that fewer cases go undetected.
The UK guidelines recommend:
Black men, in particular, face a significantly higher lifetime risk of prostate cancer, with 1 in 4 expected to develop the disease.
If you’re in a high-risk group or concerned about prostate cancer symptoms, talk to your GP about having a PSA test. This simple blood test measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. It’s normal for PSA levels to increase as you age, but a raised level could indicate a prostate issue – though not necessarily cancer.
Keep in mind that PSA tests aren’t always accurate. You might be offered further tests and treatments that aren’t needed. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of getting tests. For more information, visit the Prostate Cancer UK website.
If further investigation is required, an MRI scan followed by a biopsy can confirm the presence of cancer. If the results are positive, you’ll receive detailed information about your treatment options to help guide your next steps.
Although the response rate to this programme is above the national average, 77% of men still did not respond to their invitation, and a further 7% who did respond did not attend their appointment.
It’s crucial for men to be proactive about their health by contacting their GP to schedule an appointment, as early detection can make a significant difference.
